E A ST COUNTY
Observer Lakewood Ranch’s weekly newspaper since 1998
Local golfer scores a hit.
SEE PAGE 14
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
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FREE THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018
VOLUME 20, NO. 22
In the comfort zone?
Three neighborhoods lobby to keep their kids at Lakewood Ranch High. SEE PAGE 5
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy image
Bruiser’s back Greenbrook resident Liz Dillon was mortified when her Boston terrier, Bruiser, yanked the leash from her hand and took off the morning of April 5. For four days, the family — Jon and Liz Dillon and their daughter, Julianne — searched, posted flyers and responded to leads. Bruiser was found safe April 9, his leash tangled around a neighbor’s patio table. The Dillons hosted a “Welcome Back” party for Bruiser (shown above with Jon and Liz) to thank their neighbors.
SMR rocks the park Live music, activities highlight Bob Gardner Community Park grand opening April 21. SEE PAGE 3
Jay Heater
Monaca Onstad, Schroeder-Manatee Ranch’s director of community relations, tries out the “Gravity Rail” at Bob Gardner Community Park.
Amelia Hanks
Seeds of growth Quinn Martinetti (above), a second-grader at Tara Elementary, ripped her bag of seeds open and poured them into her hand. “I love tomatoes,” Quinn said. “I’m going to plant it in the sun.” Her class participated April 16 in the Manatee County School District’s Farm to School initiative, which brings local farmers to schools in Manatee County to talk about farming.
BLACK
Larger place to pray
TIE
A smashing celebration. INSIDE
Our Lady of the Angels unveils $8 million church. SEE PAGE 8 Amelia Hanks